Pandemic update: Santa Clara VTA to resume light-rail service

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority on April 9 will resume weekday light-rail service after a two-week closure. 

The authority suspended light-rail service after a light-rail operator trainee tested positive for COVID-19. During the suspension, the agency deep-cleaned its rail cars and began replacing upholstery seats with vinyl, VTA officials said in a press release.

Fares will not be collected when service resumes.

Meanwhile, several passenger-rail agencies in the United States and Canada are further reducing service and implementing other measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Following is a summary of recent updates by agency:
 

• Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in California tomorrow will further reduce its rail service by canceling every other train. This move will potentially save $3 million to $7 million per month of the operating budget, BART officials said in a press release. The savings is realized by shifting employees to capital improvement projects that are not funded by the operating budget.
• VIA Rail Canada Inc. extended suspension of service between Toronto and Vancouver and the Prince Rupert-Prince George-Jasper service until June 1.
• New Jersey Transit yesterday began operating the Hudson-Bergen light-rail service on a reduced weekend schedule.
• Sound Transit in Seattle tomorrow will further reduce weekday Sounder South commuter-rail service to seven round trips.
• Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Austin, Texas, this month suspended fare collection.
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System on April 13 will reduce trolley and bus service by about 25 percent.